After more than half a century serving the people of Newton Abbot and beyond, one of Devon’s most well-loved family-run car dealerships is preparing to shut its doors for good. Denbury Diesels, founded in 1971 and run for decades by Mike and Tracey Perryman, will close at the end of August following the couple’s decision to retire.
The business, which has long been a cornerstone of the community, announced the news on social media, expressing gratitude to generations of loyal customers. “It’s been an amazing 54 years of trading as Denbury Diesels and looking after all our lovely customers past and present. The time has now come to retire,” the post read.
In true customer-focused fashion, the Perrymans are going out with a gesture of generosity. A huge retirement sale has been launched, with the final stock of vehicles being offered at discounted prices. As a parting gift, every car sold during the closing-down event will come with a free two-year warranty – a perk that underlines the dealership’s long-standing reputation for trust, care, and service.
Denbury Diesels was never just a car dealership. Over its 54 years, it developed into a full-service automotive hub. From sales of used cars and light commercial vehicles to a broad range of services including MOTs, diagnostics, paintwork, repairs, and maintenance for motorhomes and minibuses, the company built a name for reliability and quality. Its expansive site boasted a 12-bay workshop and a dedicated paint and body shop, enabling it to cater to diverse motoring needs.
For many in Newton Abbot, the closure marks the end of an era. Customers took to social media to share their sadness and appreciation. One wrote: “Happy retirement Perrymans, thank you for looking after me and the Dodd boys so well and keeping us on the road.” Another added warmly: “To Mike and Tracey, I hope that you both have a very happy and well-deserved retirement.”
The announcement has sparked both nostalgia and a rush of activity, as locals look to take advantage of the closing-down offers before the shutters come down permanently. For some, it is an opportunity to purchase a vehicle from a trusted dealership one last time. For others, it is a bittersweet farewell to a business that has become woven into the fabric of the town.
While the departure of Denbury Diesels leaves a gap in the local motoring landscape, the legacy of the Perrymans’ decades of honest trade, community spirit, and dedication to customer care will remain. As one of Newton Abbot’s most respected businesses, its story will be remembered long after the final car drives away at the end of August.
